Stressing out in anticipation for Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone. The solution is to start Meditating! If you’ve been shopping around for the perfect gift or calling every restaurant to find reservation openings, we know how you feel! It’s no wonder that The Apothecary Spa gets booked up by our clients who seek much-needed relaxation!

Even if you’re not worried about a special date night this month, stress seems to always find a way into our daily lives.

Did you know that stress directly affects the skin barrier and its ability to retain moisture? Muscles also become tense which causes skin to lose its healthy glow and makes fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

Research from the University of Sheffield has proven that people who start meditating and relaxation sessions not only reduce stress but also help those who suffer from psoriasis, eczema and acne. If you can relate with the statistics above, here are a few good reasons why we recommend implementing meditation into your daily life ASAP!

1. Reduces Negative Emotions
It’s no secret that when you look great, you feel great. A radiant, glowing complexion increases your confidence. A study completed by Stanford determined that participants were less anxious and developed more positive thoughts about themselves after two months of regular meditation.

2. Increases Energy Levels
Who wouldn’t like more energy throughout the day? Sure coffee and Red Bull offer a temporary boost but neither are good for you. Meditation offers the healthiest and most natural way to boost both DHEA and growth hormone production, two essential chemicals we need to feel more energetic.

3. Helps You Make Healthier Choices
Meditation allows you to become more intuitive with your daily thoughts and actions. Under stress you may be inclined to have a quick and easy lunch at a local fast food restaurant rather than take the time to pack something healthy for the day. By eliminating stress, you clear your mind of the chaos and bad choices!

4. Helps You Have Better Sleep
Those who practice meditation have been proven to maintain acute mental awareness during lucid dreaming. This can’t be achieved without being in a deep state of REM. Meditation also increases levels of melatonin by about 98%.

5. Slows Down Aging
It’s been proven that women with high levels of perceived stress, including psychological and chronic, have shorter telomeres (nucleotide sequences at the end of our chromosomes that protect them from deterioration). These telomeres have about one decade of additional aging compared to women with low stress! Not only does meditation help maintain low stress levels but it also results in improved overall health!

There’s no one way to start meditating. Starting off each day with just a few minutes of deep thought relaxation is all you need to be on your way to lowering stress. Adding essential oils to your routine is a great way to enhance your experience! Add in a regular spa visit to The Apothecary Spa and you’ll feel like you dived head first into the Fountain of Youth. Get started today and start enjoying the widespread benefits that meditation brings to your body, skin and life!

Sore tired muscles can come in a variety of ways, chronic overuse, injury, or physical malady. It can come as pain and stiffness and a general sore feeling in the body. What we are feeling is inflammation of the muscle fibers, a condition called Myositis. This inflammation can be chronic or can come and go due to our activity. We all have to deal with it in some form or another, but how do we prevent it and heal quickly so we can continue on throughout our day?

The Apothecary Spa has the answer in the form of Naturopathica. This product line was developed in 1995 by Barbara Close. Close is a clinical esthetician, massage therapist, herbalist, and has a personal belief in natural health. This product line fits very nicely with our collection of natural organic healing products found at the spa. It echos our desire to promote healing naturally using herbs, oils, and plants.

Our team here at The Apothecary has already had the opportunity to use these products, helping clients reduce muscle inflammation and reduce chronic pain. Not only are these products great for your body and skin, but they have to pass a high standard of testing, procuring the Ecocert Product Certification. Each product has approval for ingredients, formula, labeling, and manufacturing & packaging. All ingredients must be derived from renewable resources and manufactured with environmentally friendly processes. A minimum of 50% of natural ingredients must be certified organic, and the manufacturing facility must have an environmental plan, which includes recycling, waste management, and be energy efficient.

So what does all of this mean for the consumer? It’s highly effective ingredients give you the results that you are needing to promote healing, and reduce pain and inflammation, quickly, and you can feel good about using a product that has the environment in its best interest.
Proven ingredients to nourish the body such as Arnica, Sweet Birch, Ginger Root, and Magnesium are used to fight inflammation. As arnica is used to soothe sore muscles and joints, it is also an immuno-stimulant. Sweet Birch is great for chronic pain associated with overworked muscles and joints. The warming effects of Ginger Root is effective in soothing sore muscles and joint stiffness. Those who suffer from arthritis love Naturopathica for its pain relieving effects. The Magnesium flakes used for the soak have 50% more magnesium than Epsom Salts, this decreases the amount of Lactic Acid build up in the muscles that can cause soreness and inflammation.

When booking a massage with one of our therapist ask about our Naturopathica enhancements. Some of the products used include the Arnica Muscle & Joint Gel, an effective anti-inflammatory for acute pain and injury, Sweet Birch Deep Muscle Rub, for more chronically sore muscles, the Mighty Mint Rescue Cream, a cooling shea butter based cream great for hands and feet, and the Alpine Arnica Bath and Body Oil, a warming treatment that stimulates blood flow. All of these products are available for retail, including Magnesium Flakes.

It’s important to stay ahead of the game when it comes to whole body health. It is easier to prevent than to treat, but we here at The Apothecary can help with both prevention and treatment of what’s ailing you. We have appointments that are available day of, but we suggest booking in advance as to ensure you are getting the therapist you request, and the time that you desire. We also have a variety of Spa Memberships that fit everyone’s schedule and budget. Don’t forget to enhance your next service with Naturopathica, soothe and reduce pain and inflammation naturally and effectively.

]]>https://theapothecaryspa.com/relievesoremuscles/feed/0Baking Soda and the effects on your Skinhttps://theapothecaryspa.com/bakingsodaandyourskin/
https://theapothecaryspa.com/bakingsodaandyourskin/#respondSun, 31 Jul 2016 04:05:37 +0000https://theapothecaryspa.com/?p=2043Why is baking soda so bad for your skin? A top home remedy for dull congested skin is a baking... Read More

Why is baking soda so bad for your skin? A top home remedy for dull congested skin is a baking soda and lemon mixture. This exfoliant concoction has been floating around the internet for years. Natural Skin Care bloggers love it and claim that is does the job better, and more natural than what you can find at a professional spa. This mixture is also known to clean copper pots! If it can clean metal pots to a shine, imagine what it is doing to your delicate living skin. I am here to tell you, and my fellow estheticians will concur, using baking soda on your skin is more harmful than beneficial.
The pH of our skin falls on a scale of 0-14 somewhere between 4.5-5.5. The lower the pH, the more acidic, the higher, the more alkaline. Our blood is neutral at 7. When our skin is balanced it is able to function properly. Its oil production is not too excessive, and our hydration level is high. It will not be too dull, or too shiny. When we use baking soda and lemon as an exfoliant, it makes our skin more alkaline (baking soda has a pH of 9) which causes our acid mantle to break down. This is the natural barrier function of our skin. When we have a healthy barrier function, our skin is able to do its job effectively, which is to protect us from foreign invaders like bacteria and germs. A common side effect of using baking soda on the skin is a taught, flakey, and reddened complexion. The skin becomes compromised, sensitized, and chapped. When this happens people may think they need to exfoliate more. So they do, over and over again they are breaking down the skin causing more and more harm. I often have clients who come to me with red sensitized skin, asking for a cure. It only takes me one or two questions to discover that they are exfoliating too often and with the wrong product.
Eminence is a natural and organic product line that is result driven. Even though it is a natural product it is tested and stabilized to ensure quality and effectiveness. Many ingredients are added to lower or raise the pH of something so that it can be safely applied to the skin giving you the best results. There are no binders and fillers in the products, and infact they are void of water. That is why you are instructed to add a small amount of water to the product so that it can be applied to the face. The concept is the same as concentrated orange juice. One wouldn’t simply start eating the orange concentrate with a spoon, water needs to be added first so that it can be drank without being too acidic. This is the same idea applied to the Eminence products.
At The Apothecary Spa we carry a number of highly effective exfoliants for all varieties of skin types. Our best seller, which is good for all skin types, is Strawberry and Rhubarb Dermafoliant. This product can be used 1-3 times a week depending on your skin type. It begins as a powder mixture of oat and rice flower that water or toner is added. The amount of water added is determined by how thick and abrasive one wants the mixture. I suggest that the more sensitive the skin, the more water is used. If someone is suffering from an active acne breakout, use more water. The open pores can be sensitive to abrasion. Our exfoliants range from clay masks, a pulp puree, to peel pads that are swiped over the face. If you want healthy glowing skin book a facial and speak with a professional about the best exfoliant for your specific skin type and leave the baking soda and lemon to pot cleaning.

]]>https://theapothecaryspa.com/bakingsodaandyourskin/feed/0To Peel or not to Peel, that is the question?https://theapothecaryspa.com/peel-not-peel-question/
https://theapothecaryspa.com/peel-not-peel-question/#respondWed, 20 Apr 2016 19:42:58 +0000https://theapothecaryspa.com/?p=1936The Big Question: To Peel or Not to Peel? To Peel or Not to Peel? If you were to ask... Read More

To Peel or Not to Peel? If you were to ask an esthetician if they wanted a peel they would leap up out of their seat and jump around looking like they are doing the potty dance. They would probably let you drop a bomb on their face too if it meant their skin would be left looking refined, refreshed and glowing. To the everyday person, however, a peel can sound uncomfortable and even scary. I often encounter clients who say, “Peels don’t work well with my skin” “I’ve never had any luck with a peel” or “Is my skin going to actually peel?” These are common phrases said to me when discussing facial options for my clients.

Well here is the real skinny on peels…

Not all peels are one in the same. Even the most sensitive skin types can get a peel. Not all peels actually cause the skin to “peel” or “flake”. Peels can be done in all seasons at anytime of the year. “How is this possible?” You might say, or “But that goes against everything that I have heard about peels.” Most people hear about peels done in Dermatologists offices, where downtime is needed. These are what are called Dermal-peels. The different types of peels offered at spas, dermatologist offices, and surgery centers are AHA, BHA, TCA, and Phenol Peels. TCA and Phenol Peels are done in Medi-Spas doctors offices or surgery centers where a doctor needs to be present. These are peels that require downtime and a specific home care regimen to prevent scarring, and to help in the healing process. AHA and BHA peels, can be done in spas and produce amazing results, with no down time at all, and with convenient beneficial home care. With all the environmental concerns that have emerged in the recent years, and an increase in education about what is good for us and what is bad, clients are looking towards organic and natural alternatives to harsh ingredients.
Peels are comprised of either synthetic or natural enzymes or acids that break down, dissolving the skin cells themselves or the glue that binds them together. Results from peels like AHAs or BHAs, leave the skin with a decrease in the depth of fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation is lightened, acne is cleared, scarring is minimized, while collagen production is promoted. TCA and Phenol peels are best for those who need intense dermal resurfacing, who have severe acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or dermal wrinkling. These peels are often used as a skin cancer treatment as well, and are often done once to treat more severe skin conditions.
At home and in spa peels intensity vary depending upon what skin concerns are being addressed and the level of sensitivity in the skin. At The Apothecary Spa the two Professional Peels that we offer are the 20% Arctic Berry Peptide Peel (a multi-acid peel from fruits) and the 20% Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. Both are able to remove up to 24 cell layers of skin, and have a home care routine that is coupled with the pro peel to ensure better, longer lasting results.

Eminence has just launched a new at home peel product that is a wonderful addition to their already popular Vita Skin Solution Systems. The individual systems address concerns with either acne, hyperpigmentation, loss of firmness, or sensitivity. Each exfoliating peel comes with 35 dual sided pads and peeling fluid that is easily dispensed using a push pump jar. The product is then simply swiped on the face and left on, to be used 1-2 times a week depending on specific skin needs. It is described as a leave on exfoliating serum used underneath other serums and moisturizers. Clients have seen significant results in as little as 2 weeks!

All of us here at The Apothecary Spa are crazy in love with this new addition and are looking forward to our Spring Peel Event on May 4th! The event will include a mini facial featuring a consultation from one of our Professional Licensed Estheticians, a quick peel using the new exfoliating pads, an application of finishing products, appetizers, wine, and lots of education on our fantastic skin care line Eminence. Space is limited and tickets are $40 and include a facial with peel, 15 minute chair massage, wine and appetizers! Call today and reserve your spot to the best party we have ever done!

]]>https://theapothecaryspa.com/peel-not-peel-question/feed/0In My Own Wordshttps://theapothecaryspa.com/in-my-own-words/
https://theapothecaryspa.com/in-my-own-words/#respondWed, 30 Mar 2016 18:07:38 +0000https://theapothecaryspa.com/?p=1897Several years ago, and after a particularly long diatribe, and several days in a row of venting on Facebook about... Read More

]]>Several years ago, and after a particularly long diatribe, and several days in a row of venting on Facebook about my life, my mom said, “You need to start a blog or something!” At the time I didn’t think much of it, and I am certain that my mother was being sarcastic. My every thought and feeling about various aspects of my life at the time was being posted, by me, on a public site for all to see. My family, however, didn’t want to hear every nitty gritty, self-pitying thought that ran through my head. So I cut it out and almost quit Facebook altogether. I decided that the world didn’t need to, nor I’m sure want to, hear from me. Facebook is for pictures of kids, videos of puppies and kittens sleeping, Political Memes, and a full on album entitled “What I ate today: The Early Years.”

So why do you ask am I venturing into the blogging world? Well, you may not need to hear what I have to say about how a man made me feel 6 years ago, or read a rant about my brother who would be a perfect stranger to me had we not be related, but I do have some insight, knowledge, and interesting facts about health, wellness, body care, and the beauty industry that I think you ought to know, take it or leave it.

Working full-time, being a busy mom to my own son, and learning how to be a stepmom (gulp, hide my wart) to my man’s daughter, I will do my best to correspond each week about a particular topic relating to spa life, health, beauty, and the like. Feel free to send me questions about skincare or body care, and I will do my best to cover the topic in a weekly instalment.

I have almost 15 years of experience in the spa industry, 8 of which I have been a licensed Esthetician, 3 as a massage therapist, and all in some sort of supervisory/managerial position. I have lots of fun facts about skin, bones, and muscles that I hope will interest you. You will also see some personal reflexion on topics that I am very passionate about, mainly self-image and self-care, be it physical or emotional.
Through-out my years as a skin care and massage therapist I have learned a lot about how to take care of myself, and not just physically. It is as important to practice healthy habits and be beautiful in your soul.

Be good to yourself, and you can be good to others,

Beth

Beth started her spa career as a locker room attendant at a luxury hotel in downtown Seattle. During the 15 years that she has been in the spa industry she has been a Spa Concierge, working the desk, Spa Manager, Esthetician, Massage Therapist, and Lead Provider. She is currently practicing Massage Therapy and Esthetics at The Apothecary Spa located in The Majestic Inn in Anacortes, WA. There she holds the position of Lead Provider, as well as works closely with Ben and Anna Holm, owners of The Apothecary Spa, to ensure luxury standards and help bring health and wellness to its guests.
To book an appointment with her or any of our talented therapist pleases you may book online or contact The Apothecary Spa at 360-299-2112.

]]>https://theapothecaryspa.com/in-my-own-words/feed/0How to Be Wilderhttps://theapothecaryspa.com/how-to-be-wilder/
https://theapothecaryspa.com/how-to-be-wilder/#respondFri, 18 Mar 2016 20:59:12 +0000https://theapothecaryspa.com/?p=1882What does it mean to be wilder? What direction do we mean when we walk on the wild side? How... Read More

What does it mean to be wilder? What direction do we mean when we walk on the wild side? How far are we going on the road less traveled? Here at the spa, it’s more like a state of mind. You see, sometimes you just have to be a renegade. To be wild is to put yourself at the top of that list every day and don’t let anybody stand between you and your goals. Stand up, stand out, and be extraordinary. To be wild does not require the complete abandonment of every norm or system. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

1.Take a break from everything. In a recent study it was found that most women report that the only me time they get is in the shower and the commute to work. We encourage you to take a break, take some time, and relax.

2. Develop a daily ritual. In an earlier post about developing your own spa ritual, it’s really important to include self-care in your daily routine. It can be as simple as actually using the products you purchased. You spent the money and they sit on the shelf, isn’t it time to put those to work?

3. Set boundaries. Don’t like feeling like a welcome mat? Don’t allow yourself to be one. Everyday we give permission to other people to treat us just like they do. You don’t have to be super aggressive to set a boundary but you do have to be assertive and make it clear just how far you’re willing to go or how much you’re willing to take. Allow yourself the freedom to make that decision and stick to it most people are willing to go along because they care about you.

4. Be kind to your body. Let’s be wilder by paying attention to what we expose our bodies to every day. We are exposed to hundreds of chemical and environmental toxins everyday just by walking outside, sitting in an office, and using your car. We largely don’t have a choice as to our exposure level. When it comes to the products we use, we owe it to ourselves to be conscious about what goes on our skin. To be wild, is to know that results are achievable with an all natural, organic skin care regime. We are not limited to big pharma for our health and beauty needs.

We want to encourage you to be different, to be wild, to be the best you that you can be. See yourself as just as important as your job, your family, your community. We would love it if you came to spend some quality time with yourself here at the spa, but the point is you’ve got to take the time to do the things you want to do; that’s what it means to be wild.

I caught the tail end of a news report the other day and I caught a report that the only “me time” that most women get is in the shower or in the car on the way to work. When I think about my “me time” I am reminded of my mother and her ritual each evening. This was her time, devoted each night for her own benefit. This was a duty she owed herself each evening. I remember as a girl growing up in a house full of boys with one bathroom, my mother and I always seemed to have the time we needed to spend getting ready for our day. Of course my mom had first shower in the morning, so as to get the hot water, and each night she would take a bath before bed. This was my mother’s spa ritual.

My brothers and I would yell and shout, “Why does she get to take bath each night?” My dad was the self-made water police, telling us each morning to, “Get out of the shower you’ve been in there too long!” So why was it that mom could take a bath each night. My dad would simply say that she had been taking a bath every night long before they even got married, and that it was a habit that he wasn’t going to break. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that my parents were hardly out of their teens when they got married, and that the ritual of my mom taking a bath each night was left over from her childhood. She would soak in the tub with her sweet smelling aromas of lavender and her soaps and lotions that she bought especially for her use. I remember sitting on the seat of the toilet watching her wash her face with a “mom only” wash cloth, and her special face cleanser. Then after, she would put on her face cream, get into her special nightgown, and crawl into bed with the softest, freshest pillows you would ever lay your head on. This was her routine, her nightly ritual. I would think, I can’t wait until I’m older and I get to use all those special creams, lotions and potions, and have a queen’s bed with soft pillows, just like her.

As time went by, and I entered my teens, I developed my own bathroom ritual, my “me time” was evolving. My mom bought me some nice cleansers and moisturizers from The Bon Marche, now Macy’s, and I would shower and lather, and moisturize from head to toe. On and on through the years, my spa ritual got more and more sophisticated, as I made more money, and eventually became an esthetician.

With my career, I get to be apart of others spa rituals, be them at home by suggesting a nourishing home care treatment, or be it at the spa where my clients get to come relax and melt into a cocoon of hand picked products and warm blankets. I get to encourage clients not only to take care of their skin but to take their own time. Make “me time” a priority for you.

For those of us who have developed our own spa ritual we take it with us on vacations, on overnights with friends, and we never go a day without our skin care routine. Mine is a whole body treatment that begins in the shower with my organic lavender (thanks Mom) detergent free soap, continues after with a luxurious and generous amount of olive and aloe body lotion, and concludes with eye cream, serum, and moisturizer, all specifically designed for my skin type and based on the goals I want my complexion to be. This is my spa ritual. It doesn’t just happen at the spa on a whim of needing relaxation or finally “treating myself”. It doesn’t even come with a gift certificate that I forgot I had, it is daily. “Me time” is a way of thanking my body for all its hard work and time it puts into keeping me moving forward. Even my man has begun his own spa ritual of taking better care of his skin. When we first started dating he would make fun of the time I spent in the bathroom “oiling up” he would say, “you’re so slippery”. Now, he smiles and appreciates the time I take in loving myself. He still pokes fun at me every once in awhile, but I still continue on with my ritual. I do it for me, and for no one else.
Beth Wilder
Lead Therapist at The Apothecary Spa, Anacortes, WA